How, what, why...PIC?

I've seen PIC microcontrollers on the internet and I'm not exactly sure what they do. Are they like Arduinos except you can remove the microchip you programmed and put it in a circuit you made? Is that how it works? Can someone tell me please?!?!?!?!

I've actually seen an instructible about using an arduino to program an ATmega chip and use it offboard. Here it is: https://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-program-a-AVR-arduino-with-another-arduin/

I've used PICs a lot and I can see the difference confusing people. Microcontrollers like PICs, AVRs and Parallax Propellers are programmable microchips, they have a wide array of features, an Arduino is a programmable microcontroller (an ATmel or ATmega in the case of the arduino mega) in a development board with the USB connection a power regulator built in to make it easy to program and run. But all you have to do to use the microcontroller chip by itself is get or build a programmer, and learn to connect the 3 to 7 wires, depending on chip and model, and to make your own regulated power supply. Arduinos are nice because they only have one popular programming language, but all the other microcontrollers have a decent amount of source available for their more popular languages.

If your interested I suggest getting a PicKit 2 or 3 and some common pics maybe an 18F1320, which has 18 pins or a 18F4550 which has 40 pins and a usb module and trying it out. Or if you prefer AVR and Propeller have their starter kits as well.

I personally like the PICs because of their size and cost. Take the PIC12F675, for example. It has 8 pins, a built in power supply, and it only costs $0.50!! PICs are also used in commercial products. The Parallax Basic Stamp 2 is powered by a custom made PIC, and has been very reliable to me for 2 years now. Basicly, it's a cheaper alternative to the arduino, basic stamp, and MSP430s

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Bio:I love doing anything with electronics. You're throwing away an old computer? I'll take it! I also love robots, sci-fi, and EDM music. I am amazed by the world around me, and feel there's nothing you ...read more »